Deals haven’t been formalized, so it’s not yet clear exactly the capacity in which Milch will be helping out, but here’s what we can infer from this: Season 3 of True Detective, while not formally greenlit, is in the works.

So we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll have official information regarding another season soon. EW also reported that Pizzolatto has written the first two episodes, at least, of the next season. While this might give you cause to dance for joy and assume this means all signs are go, it more likely means that HBO, while interested in another season, is trying to get a better idea of what it might look like before they decide whether or not to bring it back.

Fortunately and unfortunately, that’s pretty much been the party line since 2016. HBO’s head of programming at that time said:

“Both Nic and HBO are open to another season. I don’t think Nic has a take and he’s working on some other projects. We’re open to somebody else writing it and Nic supervising it. It’s a valuable franchise, it’s not dead, we just don’t have a take for a third season yet.”

So good news: True Detective is still alive, and it looks like they’re bringing in a pro to aid the creator’s vision for a third season. Bad news: We still don’t know when or if it’s coming back!